Air Boss
$255.00

In Stock

In stock orders ship same day if received by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time!

One Bag Travel! Air Boss.

The only carry-on bag you'll ever need.

Designed for the business traveler, the popular five star-rated carry-on travel bag is a must-have for anyone who enjoys the many advantages of traveling light: freedom of movement, less time wasted waiting in lines, no lost luggage, easy access, and overall travel simplification. Peruse over 700 customer reviews right here from hundreds of satisfied Air Boss Carry-on customers to get an honest idea if this is the best travel bag for you.

EXPERT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.
Follow the link to learn Doug Dyment's bundle wrapping technique so you can fit everything you need, and nothing you don't, in your Air Boss airline carry-on bag to become a more organized happier traveller. Thanks to guideance from Onebag.com, here's a fantastic luggage packing diagram, showing you how to easily "bundle wrap" your clothing in the Air Boss.

WRINKLE-FREE TRAVEL.
Designed with three large main compartments, our Air Boss carry-on bag also features two outside zippered pockets; one full-length, one for your airline tickets, an outside sleeve pocket, and tie downs inside the two outer compartments to keep your belongings in position and wrinkle-free until you can unpack and hang them up at your destination.

A SPACIOUS PLACE FOR YOUR BELONGINGS.
The center compartment is spacious enough to hold your Toiletries, extra shoes, work-out gear, business briefcase, etc. Volara closed-cell foam padding is sewn into the sides, so you've got a rigid, yet flexible, piece of carry-on luggage that still protects your valuable belongings.

NEVER SLIPS OFF.
Includes detachable nonslip Claw Shoulder Strap that keeps your bag where you want it - on your shoulder.

DISCOVER HOW TO PACK IT.
Watch the Air Boss Packing Video posted in the Videos tab where Red Oxx Ambassador Kasey Austin shows how to use many of the bag's thoughtful features.

PROTECT YOUR LAPTOP.
Looking for extra protection for your laptop? A neoprene laptop sleeve is recommended. A "macho" option is to put it in a Metro Briefcase, which will then fit in the center compartment of the Air Boss, adding further protection and giving you a "one bag" travel option...with two bags inside one. Note that this can become a very heavy bag to carry if you decide to try this! Another idea is adding an extra Claw Shoulder Strap from your Metro and then carrying the Air Boss "backpack style" (one strap over each shoulder) can help offset this added load.

A BUSINESS TRAVEL BAG BUILT LIKE A TANK?
Our fans like to define our gear as "built like a tank". While obviously you're not going to be toting around bags that weigh 50 tons and have three inches of armor plate, still the comparison is valid. For a carry-on bag, the Air Boss is built tough. Starting with the most durable, flexible, and practical textile material available -- 1000 weight CORDURA® Brand Nylon, the Air Boss is built using super-strong UV-resistant thread that's stitched into every seam.

BOUND AND BAGGED.
Places where two separate pieces of fabric are stitched together are then bound -- that is, we take a long piece of one-inch wide nylon webbing and fold it over the edges of the two pieces and stitch them together, this creates a strong seam, known as a binding, that prevents the pieces from unraveling on the inside of the bag, or gives it a clean, finished look if on the outside of the bag.

BINDING INSIDE / BINDING OUTSIDE.
In addition, each exposed outside fabric edge, such as on a pocket flap, is also bound using a thicker binding material. Inside edges typically receive a thinner nylon webbing, whereas outside corner edges that are exposed to heavy wear have a thicker nylon binding. All of our binding material is vertically woven to prevent the fraying, peeling or splitting that you may commonly see in competitors carry-on bags that brag of "binding" their edges.

WHY DOUBLE BOX STITCHING?
Each stress point, such as where the handles attach to the bag, is double box stitched - which is where we get the "double XX" in our name, Red Oxx; a stitching practice we adapted from our history as parachute riggers.

MY, WHAT BIG ZIPPERS YOU HAVE!
The reason Red Oxx uses the largest zipper we can afford, the #10 YKK VISLON® zipper, is that they're easily repairable, even in the field; they will hold their place, that is, they "lock"; they are difficult to penetrate, thereby increasing the security of your belongings; they function smoothly in inclement weather, and they can be yanked from a variety of angles without losing teeth or becoming separated.

PUTTING THE HARD IN HARDWARE.
Red Oxx has occasionally been accused of "overdoing" our hardware. But once you've had a cheap piece of plastic "hardware" break in the middle of a busy intersection, airport or other inconvenient locale dumping your precious belongings all over the ground, having a heavy-duty nickel-plated or stainless steel D ring or attachment swivel that weighs just a tiny bit more, or might make a little noise, is a travel companion's confidence builder and peace-of-mind maker. After all, you want to enjoy your journey as best you can. Why worry about having your Air Boss break down?

IS THERE ANOTHER CARRY BAG OPTION?
Looking for a similar carry-on bag but with retractable backpack style shoulder straps? Try our other popular air travel bag, the Sky Train.

Join the fleet feet crowd and travel carry-on with the Commander of the ship: the Air Boss!

Online orders will receive an order confirmation email, a UPS tracking information email when your order ships and a product review request follow-up email eight weeks after delivery. In addition, backorders beyond a dozen working days may receive an order follow-up assurance email. During checkout purchasers have the option to opt-out of our other occasional email notifications. Your email address is always secure.

Air Boss Trivia:On the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, the Air Boss is in charge of all the operations of the flight deck. He controls the moving of planes on deck, landing of aircraft, launching aircraft, ordinance handling, and safety of all the personnel occupying the flight deck. The Air Boss oversees from the command tower. Orders are communicated with the flight deck via megaphone. Ex: "Hey brownshirt. Get out of that checked baggage line and on the plane, now!"

Bought the Air Boss 2 months ago or so. I travel for business every week and exchanging the roller for a carry-on Air Boss really changed the deal for me.

From 2 days trip to a full week, including running gear, the Air Boss does the trick.

With the bundle packing method and a careful approach to what you pack, the Air Boss proves perfect in many business or leisure occasion.

The bag is very resistant and the three compartments are perfect to pack a laptop and accessories (center), a bundle including suite and shirts (side close to the body) and running gear/toiletries/other (other side).

Well done Red Oxx.

Excellent Carry On

By DJMESQ, Northeastern Pa., July 9, 2015

As with all of my purchases from Red Oxx, and there have been numerous, I couldn't be happier with this piece of luggage. It's extremely well made (in the USA I might add), looks terrific and does what it is advertised to do. Do yourself a favor and watch the instructional video on packing this bag. I do hope that sometime in the future Red Oxx will produce a similar piece of luggage with a telescopic handle and wheels.

Added benefit...

By Cam, DFW, June 23, 2015

I've been on 7-8 trips ranging from overnight to 4 days with the Air Boss since my initial review a couple of months ago. I appreciate the bag even more. Many of my flights are are Regional Jets, and I hate having to wait in the jetway for a gate checked bag. Not an issue with the Air Boss. It goes in the smallish overheads on the RJ's. Just grab and go!

Just a great bag

By Brian, USA, June 3, 2015

After working my way through several lower end rollers, I decided to make the change and get an airboss. What a great change!

I just got back from a trip in Asia and I'm now fully convinced...this bag was a great investment! Thanks Red Oxx

Ideal for One-Bag Travel

By Chris N, Houston, TX, May 24, 2015

Nine days in France. One bag. Can it be done?

Yes!

I bought the Red Oxx Air Boss several months before a trip to Normandy last summer. I had been studying the “one carry-on bag” philosophy espoused by many experienced travelers, and wanted to see if I could integrate it into my own travel routines.

Although I had some practice runs with the Air Boss to visit my folks in Arizona, I wanted to see how the Air Boss would perform on a full-blown 9-day trip to France. Having become accustomed to bundle-packing on a few previous trips, I felt that I could make it work.

I was right. The one-bag method with the Air Boss was no problem at all. This excellent, tough-as-nails bag handled it with the same ease as a day trip in the states. The bulletproof construction and thoughtful design of this bag inspires a lot of confidence and allows you to minimize the headaches of travel by not having to carry so much luggage around.

I only wish that I’d learned this new way of travel earlier. With the right packing philosophy and skills (and the right bag), one can spend more time enjoying travel and less time dragging stuff around.

Best Luggage Ever

By Mark, Kansas City , May 7, 2015

My wife and I just got back from two weeks in Europe. We each carried an Air Boss. Never checked them. We used the bundle packing method and packed carefully. It worked! It's true!

Very sturdy, capable bag!

By Steve, New Jersey, April 30, 2015

I bought this bag based on many internet reviews. I initially stumbled across it on onebag.com.

The zippers are very sturdy, the zipper pulls are perfect.

I love the fact that it is carry on in any airport, including international.

And the shoulder strap is the best i have ever used and does not slip off your shoulder.

Great Bag, Literally!

By Stephan Hollemans, The Netherlands, April 26, 2015

Took the bag for a weekend away to England for a family reunion and a birthday. Some walking stuff and some nice clothes all fitted perfectly. Easely accepted as carry on. Doesn't look touristy at all has more of a business feel to it in a positive way. Shoulder strap great; never slips and very comfortable.

Just what I was looking for

By Cam, DFW, TX, April 2, 2015

I am a very frequent business traveler and have worn out a Samsonite roller. I have a soft sided Ogio roller but it is on the smallish side. I'm not a small guy and don't have a problem carrying my bags. I had been experimenting with a Cabela's carryon bag, but it is somewhat rigid and not right for what I was looking for. I went down the One Bag internet wormhole and discovered this product. After watching different YouTube videos and reading all the reviews I could find, I pulled the trigger.

I've made one trip with the Air Boss that included dress shirts and sport coats, and the bundle packing method was everything it was advertised to be. Not entirely wrinkle free, but far better than anything I had experienced before.

The Claw shoulder strap was comfortable enough walking long distances through airports, and was stuck on the shoulder like it was nailed there. Great design. I thought it might be a bit heavy since I decided to truly give it a shot as designed and carry my laptop, charger, cables, and leather portfolio in the Air Boss rather than carrying my Saddleback briefcase, but the weight was just fine. All in all, a great purchase. Well done Red Oxx!

Solid bag

By Chris, Houston, TX, January 16, 2015

This is an update to a previous review I wrote, this time though with a little more experience. I've now used this bag on a variety of trips including:

- 2-week trip to Europe

- 3 night retreat (car only)

- 4-night to Fla

- 1-night to Cleveland

- 1-night to Rio Grande Valley

The bag is very versatile. One of my concerns is that it would be "too much bag" for a one-nighter. To the contrary, it still balances well, keeps pretty good form, and is not too floppy.

I bought a Lil Roy and throw in my iPad Mini, a book, space, earbuds. Upon loading onto the plane I just pull this "necessities" bag out and throw the Air Boss into the overhead.

It can get heavy on a long airport trek, particularly if you've loaded a laptop. I probably carry a little more gear than most though including a 1"clipboard with papers inside, a camera, etc. But the compression straps keep everything nice and tight.

I've also grown to appreciate that the zippers zip all the way down each side; if I plan things right I can position whatever I may need to grab out later (3-1-1 bag, Lil Roy) without having to unsnap the handles.

Design issues I would change:

- snap handles are a pain and not particularly comfortable. A lot of room for improvement here

- can't figure out what to use the rear snapped pocket for. Position of the snap won't even allow for a magazine to fit without bending. Raising the snap about 1/2 - 1" higher would cure this. I'll stuff a water bottle in there sometimes. But other than that fairly worthless. Would rather just see a zipper pocket as would be able to secure something in there (documents, receipts, whatever).

Solid bag though. Love the heavy-duty zippers and rugged looks.

Also, got a black Metro briefcase for Christmas. LOVE it. Note that while it will fit in the center section of the AB, it takes up 100% of the space. Also I would imagine it would be pretty danger heavy (hence I have not tried; I just work in all the work-stuff into the AB (usually the rear section closest to body).

tough bag

By Lex from Tex, , January 5, 2015

I've had this bag a few years now. It is tough, still looks like new, and holds a lot. I can get three fishing outfits plus water shoes in the center compartment, and street clothes for three days in the outer compartments. I also have the Aviator duffel for carrying waders and wading boots. I love this bag.

What else to say?

By Anonymous, New York, NY, January 2, 2015

The first thought I had on receiving my Air Boss was, "Wow. That's Big." So much so that I was nervous whether it would actually fly as a carry on. (Kind of irrational, I know.) As I discovered, the carry-on allowance is actually quite large - a stuffed Air Boss fits neatly in the overhead bins on even smaller shuttles - and it's just that I have never, not once, seen a company make smart use of that allotment until now. I learned what I suspect every other Air Boss owner knows: you can bring A LOT of stuff with you via carry-on. I've never considered myself a light packer, and yet I can easily bring 2+ weeks of clothes, toiletries, etc. and that's not even counting my backpack. Sure, you can save a few bucks by carrying on as opposed to checking bags, but it's about more than money. It's about convenience, ease, and the time it saves you once you can merely walk right on through security to your gate. I've flown exactly three times with the Air Boss and I already feel I've gotten my money's worth.

As others have mentioned, the materials used are both top-notch and handsome.

Fantastic Bag

By Todd Nye, Rapid City, SD, December 27, 2014

I've used this bag for multiple business trips of 5+ days and fully loaded it fits into even the tightest overhead space. I regularly take regional flights to get to larger airports and the AirBoss will always fit into the overhead.

Fantastic quality, and even better customer service. I will continue to use and brag about these great bags.

Great All-Around Bag

By Charlie, Chicago, December 1, 2014

Like many, I got this bag based on the recommendation from onebag.com. I have found that it is, not only, a perfect business travel bag, but a perfect leisure travel bag as well. I make weekly 1-3 night trips for work, and was disappointed in the lack of capacity and wrinkling with by Briggs & Riley bag, which do great with one suit, but fail with two suits. In addition, I have added a lot of regional jet travel, and needed a bag that does not need to be gate-checked. A 21" roll aboard always needs to be gate-checked on a regional jet.

The Air Boss has exceeded my expectation. Combined with the bundling method of packing, I now can carry two suits, a couple of after-work casual outfits (blazer, loafers, shirts, and jeans), toiletries, underwear, etc. Everything is wrinkle-free and weighs much less, due to the fact that the bag is 2/3 the weight of the roll aboard.

Everything about quality is true; this thing will last until it is lost, which will never happen, since I never need to check it — even when stuffed to the gills, flying on a regional jet.

The only change I made was to replace the Claw strap with a Tom Bihn Absolute strap. The Claw lives up to its name; it will not slip. However, it does not have as much surface area and springiness, so with a 20 pound bag, I find it uncomfortable (I prefer the Claw with lighter loads, like with the Metro briefcase).

All in all, this is the perfect business travel bag, and I am surprised I don't see more of them in airports.

Awesome Bag

By Dennis Marshall, Bowmanville, Ontario, CA, November 27, 2014

This is an awesome bag. There is no comparison. Only got this bag a few months ago after reading about it for several weeks. Amused by the one traveling bag concept, I decided to experiment with it. And I am glad I did. Now I look for opportunities to use my bag. It is so convenience and practical. I have dispensed with my conventional suitcases and my traveling has become a more pleasant experience. Thanks for liberating me!

Awesome Bag

By Bill R, Florida, November 27, 2014

I have had this bag for only a few weeks but on the 3 trips that I have been on I can tell that it is extremely well designed and built.

• Appreciate the weight saving and extra room that you get without the wheel assembly that was on my old carry-on bag

• It easily fits in the smaller overhead compartments of the regional jets saving the aggravating process of waiting for your checked luggage on the jet way

• Allows you to effortlessly maneuver up escalators and stairways

• Zippers are super heavy duty

• The 3 main compartments are far superior for packing your clothes and gear than the single large compartment of the typical wheeled carry-on. The smaller exterior compartments provide easy access for miscellaneous items such as magazines and your passport

• Agree with another reviewer that I am not a fan of the double snaps on the handle or the single snap on the exterior compartment. Opening them was fine but closing them for some reason was always more of a challenge than it should have been - Velcro would be an improvement for both.

---------- Red Oxx replies: thanks for the great review, tips and ideas Bill. The reason we don't use Velcro on our bags because it wears out quickly and becomes a "warranty issue" -- thereby an annoying hassle for you and an unprofitable expense for us. We've found that once you get used to the snaps you can work them relatively quickly.

Good bag

By Jim C. , Illinois, November 13, 2014

Good bag. I replaced a wheeled Rick Steves bag with the Air Boss after getting a packing light education at one bag.com. I kind of like slinging a single bag over a shoulder!

Extremely pleased. I'm just disappointed I haven't had more excuses to use it already!

By Thomas Vidal, Los Angeles, CA, November 6, 2014

I'm so grateful for your advice. I've been a believer in principle, but now I am in practice. Let me explain. I've been reading OneBag.com and have had it bookmarked for several years. I've implemented some of the techniques piecemeal, primarily because I had an old rolling carry-on and just couldn't justify buying a new one when this one wouldn't die. Nevertheless, I've coveted the Red Oxx Air Boss for about three years now.

Well, my roller finally did die on a recent trip. And I bought a black Air Boss before I could talk myself out of it.

The challenge was convincing my wife that "no wheels" was a good idea. We have two little boys: one almost three, the other a year-and-a-half. It was a hard task, but I convinced her to let me try it for our upcoming nine-day family vacation to Maui.

It was an amazing experience.

I know people abuse the word "amazing", but I mean it here. My packing was easy and extremely organized, I did not over-pack, I had room for [EDIT: all my clothes], almost all the kids' clothes, two iPads, a MacBook Air, accessories, and the bag was still light enough to carry. Bundle wrapping was perfect. My wife had one carry-on, duffle-style bag too.

Now, we were traveling with toddlers, so we were not 100% one-bag, but the extras were only a small bag for food and a diaper bag. We carried on everything but the car seats.

My wife was totally impressed with how well it worked, and we packed about 1/3 to 1/2 less "stuff" then we packed last year when we went. More importantly, we did not "go without" anything, or feel like we had forgotten something at home that we needed/wanted.

I cannot tell you enough how grateful I am for your advice, how pleased I am with the results, and how simple my travel has really become.

Finally found what I needed!

By Matt J, UK, October 30, 2014

I am very particular about my travel luggage and have spent the last 18 months trying various options mainly the wheeled variety settling on a hand baggage sized roller. However I still felt that wheeled luggage was too restrictive, especially once leaving the airport.

I finally stumbled across the onebag.com website which advocates a similar ethos to the path I was heading down, that being reducing everything carried to essentials and keeping mobile.

The Airboss bag recommended seemed really well made and well thought out bit of kit. I managed to find a mint condition example on eBay and purchased it. It arrived and has been used for a few trips and I couldn't be happier with.

Very comfortable to carry, very well designed and constructed. I can fit a weeks sensibly chosen business clothing and travel kit without a problem. I use a foldable messenger bag as laptop bag for meetings once I get to my destination, this takes up little room in the centre compartment, not being bulky. I have changed the shoulder strap for an Optech curved Neoprene version, this increases the comfort levels compared to the original strap, a slight tweak to an otherwise perfect bag. The Airboss is well recommended!

Air Boss IS the BOSS!

By Hank Bischoff, South Florida, October 23, 2014

Best bag on the planet, worth spending more than I'd planned. Everytime I start my packing process and think "this is not all going to fit", it does. The design, material qualities are superb, right down to the monkey fists! If you're hesitant about pulling the trigger on this back, relax and do it. You won't regret it!

Red Oxx "No Bull" Warranty

As time rolls a ceaseless course, only the genuine guarantee remains. The mountains will persist, the oceans are bound to endure and Red Oxx will continue to be rugged, reliable, and tough.

To the depths of the Amazon basin to the peaks of the Himilayas, Red Oxx Manufacturing is infallible.

Red Oxx Bags are guaranteed forever, be sure to include them in your will.

Made in U.S.A.

Red Oxx Bags are handcrafted in Billings, Montana. U.S.A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Air Boss carry-on legal?
Yes, the Air Boss is carry-on legal on most jet airlines.

What's the best way to pack the Air Boss?
The bundle packing method is recommended. Watch the packing video under the Videos tab or download the printable Air Boss luggage packing diagram (Pdf file).

What's the difference between the Air Boss and the Sky Train?
There are two principle differences between the Air Boss and the Sky Train: The Sky Train has retractable backpack straps and opens flat lengthwise whereas the Air Boss opens flat like a book.

Will the Air Boss fit under the seat in front of me?
Cramming your Air Boss under the seat is not recommended.

Will the Eagle Creek packing cubes fit the Air Boss?
Why not use our Nomad Shave Kit, Lil Roy Gadget Bag or Tri-fold Toiletry bag as packing cubes? You can color co-ordinate them to your preference and they come with useful carry handles. The Tri-Fold Toiletry Kit is also a brilliant shave kit organizer due to its three individual zippered mesh pockets and unique fold-open-flat hanging design.

How many pounds will the Air Boss weigh when packed?
It depends on what you pack. A typical 3-5 day load will weigh about 20-25 pounds.

How many days of travel can I fit in the Air Boss Carry-on?
Most travelers can get about 3-5 days with a typical load. Some adventurous types have been able to pack from a week to ten days! It all depends on how you pack and what you pack.

Where do I pack my laptop?
You can use the center compartment. We recommend that you use a padded neoprene sleeve to protect your laptop.

What's the best way to pack footwear?
Sole-to-sole to minimize the dirt and placed in the middle compartment inside a plastic bag.

Can I change the logo color?
Sure. Simply order your favorite color Logo Patch and sew it on yourself. Red Oxx cannot change the patch colors for you.

Can I order a bag without the logo?
Logo Patches are centered using a hole punch. If you remove the patch, there will be a hole in the bag that could cause a snag. Red Oxx cannot build a bag without a logo as this would disrupt the efficiency of the production line. Feel free to use a permanent marker to color the patches.

Is there a way to securely lock my bag?
Sure, you can use any TSA approved bag lock or try our Cable Lock for a simple, semi-secure solution. Watch this video where CEO Jim Markel demonstrates how you can use the cable that comes with the product Dog Tag price tag to secure your bag. Keep in mind, any determined thief can still cut open a soft sided bag with a sharp knife.

Are there any interior pockets?
The Air Boss has three large internal compartments. There are no internal pockets.

My zipper broke. The teeth have separated. Do I send it in for warranty repair?
No need for warranty repair, fix it yourself. Check out this video where CEO Jim Markel shows how easy it is to do it yourself.

Can you ship USPS?
Yes, Red Oxx will ship USPS upon request. Simply state, "Please ship USPS" in the cart comments during checkout and we will adjust your billing accordingly.